This is an archive article published on March 13, 2025
Police Harassment Charge: No relief to JU student, HC says ‘probe to go on’
The petitioner, Uddipan Kundu, in his complaint had stated that the police is harassing him under the guise of investigation, repeatedly summoning him and demanding that he hand over his mobile phone.
While the counsel alleged that how could a student be treated like this, he also pointed out that the Supreme Court has also identified mobile phones as personal devices.
Days after a Jadavpur University (JU) student moved a petition in the Calcutta High Court alleging harassment by police personnel, the court on Wednesday did not grant any relief to the student.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, who presided over the matter, observed that “at this stage it is not possible to give any interim order in the matter. The police can continue with the investigation as it is.”
On Monday, a section of students from JU moved a petition in the Calcutta High Court alleging harassment by police personnel. The counsel of the petitioners had submitted in court that the police are repeatedly issuing summons to some students of the university citing investigation into the March 1 protests. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh had granted permission for the matter to be filed.
The petitioner, Uddipan Kundu, in his complaint had stated that the police is harassing him under the guise of investigation, repeatedly summoning him and demanding that he hand over his mobile phone.
His counsel, Shamim Ahmed, submitted that, “The mobile is a personal device. It contains a lot of personal information. There is an objection to making them public.”
While the counsel alleged that how could a student be treated like this, he also pointed out that the Supreme Court has also identified mobile phones as personal devices.
Justice Ghosh, after hearing the arguments said, “Your client’s name is in the FIR. He is an accused. In this situation, the court will not interfere in any way. Even if the accused named in the FIR is a student, granting any relief will send a bad message.”
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However, the judge asked the police to ensure that the students get their mobile phones back and do not have to buy new phones.
The court has asked both the parties to submit the affidavits.
Tanusree Bose is a dedicated journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Kolkata. Her work focuses sharply on the complex administrative, political, and judicial developments across West Bengal, establishing her as an authoritative voice in regional news coverage.
Experience
Current Role: Reports for the prestigious national daily, The Indian Express, providing her content with a high level of Trustworthiness.
Geographical Expertise: Provides focused, in-depth coverage of West Bengal, demonstrating an intimate knowledge of the state's news and political nuances.
Core Authority: Her reporting portfolio highlights deep Expertise in crucial, often sensitive, beats, including:
State Politics and Governance: Covering the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), opposition strategies (BJP), and internal political controversies.
Judicial and Administrative Affairs: Closely monitoring key developments in the Calcutta High Court, particularly major rulings related to employment, education, and social issues.
Education Sector: Extensive reporting on significant controversies, such as teacher recruitment irregularities and administrative actions by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE).
Social & Electoral Issues: Covering public events, community tensions (e.g., religious/political gatherings), and election-related processes like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.
Tanusree Bose's consistent output and focus on high-stakes regional issues for a trusted media outlet underscore her status as a reliable and authoritative source for news from West Bengal. ... Read More
